The Energy and Power Ministry had managed to settle the payments for the two ships that had freighted coal and anchored off the coast of Norochcholai, the Ceylon Electricity Board Engineers Union (CEBEU) today said.
They said the US $34 million had been paid for the coal shipments. They said the two ships have been anchored off the coast of Norochcholai since April 12.
Earlier, the ship owners informed the ministry that they would return without unloading the cargo if the relevant payment was not made by April 18. However, the ministry managed to discuss with them and settled the payment and unloading of the cargo was agreed.
Accordingly, the two shiploads of coal with a cumulative capacity of 120,000 MT are currently being unloaded. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)